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Never Forgotten: D.C. National Guard Remembers September 11
Sept. 9, 2026 - Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, delivers a command message from the D.C. Armory marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist...
Your Voice, Our Force: DEOCS Command Message
Sept. 8, 2026 - Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, provides a command message encouraging every Capital Guardian to participate in the 2026 Defense Organizational...
Ten Minutes Can Make a Difference: Participate in the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS)
The District of Columbia National Guard's Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) annual fielding window is approaching. The DEOCS is a key tool for assessing unit morale, identifying risk factors, and guiding prevention efforts. This critical survey allows every member of our organization to provide confidential feedback on our command climate, trust in leadership, cohesion, and unit readiness. Results support the development of evidence-based action plans to improve workplace culture and mission effectiveness. And strong participation provides reliable data to help us address issues before they become barriers to readiness. (U.S. Army National Guard graphic by Ayan Sheikh)
Sept. 3, 2026 - Beginning Sept. 8, 2026, the D.C. National Guard's annual Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) fielding window will open, giving every Capital Guardian an opportunity to speak candidly about the environment in which...
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National Guard News
Florida Guard Chaplains Host First Changing of the Stole Ceremony
Col. Glenn Finch, outgoing state command chaplain, left; Brig. Gen. Adam Curry, director of the joint staff for the Florida National Guard, center; and Lt. Col. Lance Sellon, incoming state command chaplain, conduct a changing of the stole ceremony at the Robert F. Ensslin Jr. Armory, Florida, Sept. 12, 2026. The changing of the stole signifies the transfer of spiritual leadership and pastoral care from one chaplain to the next. The ceremony was the first of its kind held by the Florida National Guard and marks the beginning of a new tradition. Photo by Staff Sgt. N.W. Huertas.
Sept. 15, 2026 - ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Members of the Florida National Guard and guests gathered for the organization’s first Changing of the Stole ceremony Sept. 12 at the Robert F. Ensslin Jr. Armory, marking the beginning of a new Florida...
Deaf Ministry Dog to Deploy With Michigan Guard Handler
Axel, a 3-year-old Dogo Argentino and ministry dog with the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, poses for a photo during training with his handler, Sgt. Mollie Karazim, a religious affairs specialist with the Michigan National Guard. Axel, who was born deaf, uses visual cues and hand signals to communicate with Karazim and knows more than 50 commands, including several in American Sign Language. Axel will deploy alongside the battalion and continue supporting soldiers throughout the mission. Courtesy photo.
Sept. 15, 2026 - LANSING, Mich. – As the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment prepares for deployment, one member of the regiment is preparing differently and is ready to paws for nothing when it comes to supporting his Soldiers.Axel, a...
Oklahoma Guard Strengthens Critical Capabilities During Exercise Thunderstruck
A MAVIC 3E drone hovers over a Palletized Load System during counter-UAS convoy operations training at Exercise Thunderstruck 3.0, at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma, Sept. 12, 2026. Exercise Thunderstruck 3.0 integrates aviation, convoy, medical evacuation and unmanned systems training to prepare Oklahoma National Guard members for evolving battlefield threats. Photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon.
Sept. 15, 2026 - CAMP GRUBER TRAINING CENTER, Okla. – Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers put their tactics, techniques and procedures to the test during Exercise Thunderstruck 3.0, an unmanned systems-centered exercise held Sept. 12.This year’s...
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September is National Preparedness Month! National Guard members assigned to the JTF-DC put combat lifesaver skills to work through hands-on exercise focused on treating injuries, controlling bleeding, assessing casualties and preparing patients for evacuation. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/04Jj3GYd2X
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From vehicle maintenance and transportation coordination to supply, logistics and operational sustainment, the Joint Task Force-DC J4 Transportation Team keeps the force moving! #DCSafe https://t.co/exCVxn4QRp
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The District came together to remember its own—and a day that forever changed our city, our nation and our mission. Twenty-five years later, we carry their memory forward through our enduring commitment to stand ready, serve our neighbors and protect the nation’s capital. https://t.co/s7ZRHMVk79
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National perspective. Local mission. “We’re everywhere…our role is to provide support.” Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II joined Bloomberg’s Balance of Power to discuss security in the nation’s capital—25 years after the September 11 terrorist attacks: https://t.co/W6e0rcdzur https://t.co/NAaiF4ZouW
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Vigilance is more than watching — it’s knowing what to look for, recognizing when something isn’t right and being prepared to respond. Every patrol. Every interaction. Every shift. https://t.co/27x2TI0Yjj
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Enhancing Mission Readiness Through realistic training and dedicated teamwork, Soldiers continue sharpening the capabilities needed to enhance mission readiness and respond whenever duty calls. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/sDfHAKtLLY
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The D.C. National Guard’s 33rd WMD-CST gathered for a Hail and Farewell and Dining-Out, recognizing teammates who are moving on, marking career milestones and celebrating the people behind the mission. https://t.co/7eQymrhMlS
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Supporting #DCSafe means being prepared for more than what the mission demands today—it means staying ready for whatever the nation may demand tomorrow. @AlabamaNG https://t.co/8MaAGNEGpx
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“I have a helicopter, I have a crew and a full bag of gas. What can I do to help?” As smoke rose from the Pentagon and our nation struggled to comprehend the attacks of 9/11, members of the District of Columbia National Guard answered the call: https://t.co/H4JCD2la7L https://t.co/206gtQGrjM
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Meaningful engagement with the community reinforces trust, strengthens partnerships, and advances our shared commitment to public safety. By showing up, listening, and working together, we build more than connections—we build confidence in one another and in the mission we share. https://t.co/rS0nzr3CTb
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RT @SecretService: Tonight is your last chance to sign up for tomorrow's virtual recruiting session! Join Secret Service Special Agents, P…
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This #LaborDay, remember: Every day is progress. 🇺🇸 @GeorgiaGuard Sgt. Tyler Crosby, a combat medic assigned to Joint Task Force-DC, reflects on his experience supporting #DCSafe—and the purpose behind the work. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/U9u7uAnCQS
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🤼‍♂️Coed wrestlers ages 14–21 from across the DMV took to the mat, testing their skill, discipline, and competitive spirit at the 2026 DCNG Summer Slam. More than a wrestling tournament, the event highlights the Guard's support to the next generation of athletes! @DCNationalGuard https://t.co/Xm3WP1LCOZ
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Different agencies. One shared commitment to the nation’s capital. Built on fidelity, bravery and integrity — and united by a shared commitment to be here, ready to help when it matters most. @USNationalGuard @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/V5Nt55yM7b
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20 kilometers. 25 pounds. One challenge. Members of the District of Columbia National Guard and Joint Task Force-District of Columbia put their endurance to the test during the Danish Flyver Ruck March, joining thousands of participants around the world. @DCNationalGuard https://t.co/Wxq9OkDmbL
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Presence, partnership and public safety! @nationalguardMS https://t.co/DiL8ckROct
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RT @SecretService: Only a few days left to sign up for our September 8 virtual recruiting session! Join Secret Service Special Agents, Pol…
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RT @SecretService: Ride along with the Secret Service Police Patrol Unit Division as they patrol and protect the foreign embassies and dipl…
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Move it. Maintain it. Keep the mission moving. Behind every mission is a logistics team making sure the right people, equipment and resources get to the right place at the right time. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/P1Ak4oMkgZ
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🚨DEOCS is more than a survey. Your feedback gives leaders a clearer picture of what's happening across our force — from trust in leadership and morale to fairness, respect and cohesion! ⏱️ It takes about 10 minutes: https://t.co/OUB9kJk7qR https://t.co/sFyQuZ3255
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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